Optical communication connector

ABSTRACT

In accordance with the following description, an optical communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable alignment pins that are actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner housing assembly having optical fibers and an outer housing positioned over the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is shaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly, which has a movable pin clamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for aligning the connector with another connector. The pin clamp may be slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a second position (corresponding to a female gender). Separately or in combination with changing gender, the polarity of a communication connector may be changed due to its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing feature that is actuable by an installer to change a polarity of the communication connector. Such a feature may actuated by being moved from a first position to a second position relative to the communication connector.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/909,974, filed Oct. 22, 2010, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to communication connectors, andmore particularly, to an optical communication connector having aconfigurable polarity and/or gender.

BACKGROUND

As optical cabling technology continues to improve, bringing highertransmission speeds and better reliability, existing data centerstypically must decide whether to upgrade their infrastructures toembrace the newer technology. This involves a cost-benefit analysis todetermine whether the benefits to be derived from the upgrade outweighthe costs of the upgrade.

One cost to consider is the extent of the upgrade. An extensive upgrade,such as replacing an entire infrastructure, is likely to be more costly(in equipment costs and installation man-hours) than a less-extensiveupgrade, such as swapping out a limited number of components withupgraded components that are able to interface with the existinginfrastructure. A data center will typically attempt to reuse existingcabling infrastructure when possible, in order to lessen costs.

Another cost relates to the complexity of each component upgrade. Whenan upgrade is undertaken, an installer must install the upgradedcomponent so that it interfaces properly with any installed networkequipment and intermediate links. This may include matchingtransmission-speed capabilities, polarity, and/or gender of cablesand/or connectors. An increase in the complexity of network equipment,cabling and connectors may be accompanied by a corresponding increase inthe complexity of the installation.

Yet another cost relates to the number of unique parts that must beordered and installed. This cost is closely related to complexity. Anupgrade that requires many unique parts (such as cables and connectors)results in a more complicated Bill of Material (BOM). In turn, aninstaller must transport and install each of these unique parts. Alarger number of unique parts is likely to increase the risk of a partbeing installed at an incorrect location (e.g. a part installed with areversed polarity).

Thus, an optical communication connector that assists in reducing thecost of an upgrade and/or that assists in simplifying the upgrade wouldbe desirable.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the following description, an optical communicationconnector includes a ferrule having retractable alignment pins that areactuable between an extended position and a retracted position. Forexample, the connector may include an inner housing assembly havingoptical fibers and an outer housing positioned over the inner housingassembly. The outer housing is shaped to be removable from the innerhousing assembly, which has a movable pin clamp mechanically coupled toalignment pins for aligning the connector with another connector. Thepin clamp may be slid from a first position (corresponding to a malegender) to a second position (corresponding to a female gender).

The inner housing assembly preferably has a stop surface that definesthe first position corresponding to the male gender and the secondposition corresponding to a female gender. Furthermore, the movable pinclamp preferably has a deflectable tab that may be slid relative to thestop surface from the first position to the second position to changethe gender of the connector.

In one embodiment, the outer housing is structured (e.g. with a slotthrough which the pin clamp can be accessed) so that the pin clamp canbe actuated without removing the outer housing.

Another feature described herein relates to changing the polarity of aconnector. The outer housing preferably has a polarity key disposedthereon. When the outer housing is rotated 180-degrees along an axisorthogonal to a front face of the connector's ferrule, the polarity keyis correspondingly rotated from a first position to a second position,where the first position corresponds to a first polarity and the secondposition corresponds to a second polarity. The inner housing assemblypreferably has at least two recessed features that are each shaped toaccept the polarity key when the outer housing is slid over the innerhousing assembly.

Generally, the polarity of a communication connector may be changed dueto its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing feature that isactuable by an installer to change a polarity of the communicationconnector. Such a feature may actuated by being moved from a firstposition to a second position relative to the communication connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages, and the manner ofattaining them, will become more apparent and the technology will bebetter understood by reference to the following description of one ormore embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram showing an example of atypical cross connect system;

FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram showing an example of atypical upgraded version of the same cross connect system;

FIG. 3 is an upper left perspective view of an MPO connector (an exampleof an optical connector) in the Male orientation;

FIG. 4 is an upper left perspective view of an MPO connector (an exampleof an optical connector) in the Female orientation;

FIG. 5 is an upper left perspective view of a portion of a Male-orientedMPO connector with the outer housing removed;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the MPOconnector shown in FIG. 5, showing the retractable pin clamp in thefirst (Male) position;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the MPOconnector shown in FIG. 5, showing the retractable pin clamp in thesecond (Female) position;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for changing a gender ofan optical connector from male to female, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for changing a gender ofan optical connector from female to male, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a transceivermapping of two connectors communicating over eight of twelve providedfiber channels;

FIG. 11 is a simplified plan view of a Type-A patch cord/connectorcable;

FIG. 12 is a simplified plan view of a Type-B patch cord/connectorcable;

FIG. 13 is an upper left perspective view of a connector in accordancewith a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 14 is an upper left perspective view of a partially disassembledconnector in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an upper left perspective view of a connector in accordancewith a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an upper left perspective front view of an inner housingassembly and an outer housing of a partially disassembled connector inaccordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view illustrating a back side of the outerhousing (i.e. opposite the polarity key) according to a preferredembodiment;

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for changing a polarityof an optical connector, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for changing a genderand a polarity of an optical connector, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aconnector according to the present invention, showing an outer housingseparated from an inner housing assembly;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 20, showing an outerhousing separated from an inner housing assembly; and

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 20, with theouter housing latched to the inner housing assembly.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplification set out hereinillustrates one or more preferred embodiments of the invention, and suchexemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Example Implementation Context

To provide context for much of the discussion herein, FIGS. 1 and 2 setforth an example, based on Method A in the “Optical Fiber CablingComponents Standard,” Edition C, Telecommunications IndustriesAssociation, Jun. 1, 2008 (TIA-568-C.3), of a typical cross connectsystem 100 (FIG. 1) and a typical upgraded version of the same crossconnect system 200 (FIG. 2).

As can be seen with reference to FIG. 1, first network equipment 102communicates with second network equipment 104 through an opticalcommunication path comprising a series of ports, cables, and cassettes.Starting from left to right in FIG. 1, the first network equipment 102has an LC transceiver port 106 that connects through a first LCequipment cord 114 to a first cassette 116. A first MPO (Multi-fiberPush-On) patchcord/trunk cable 110 links the first cassette 116 to asecond cassette 118. An LC cross connect cord 120 connects the secondcassette 118 to a third cassette 122. A second MPO patchcord trunk cable112 links the third cassette 122 to a fourth cassette 124. A second LCequipment cord 126 connects the fourth cassette 124 to the secondnetwork equipment 104 through its LC transceiver port 108.

The LC transceiver ports 106 and 108, the LC equipment cords 114 and126, the LC cross connect cord 120, and cassettes 116, 118, 122, and 124interface with one another via LC connectors. LC connectors are smallform-factor fiber connectors that use a 1.25 mm diameter ceramic ferrulein a standard RJ-45 telephone plug housing (in either a simplex orduplex configuration). In the example shown, the cassettes 116, 118,122, and 124, which serve as junction points, include LC ports on afront side (for interfacing with the LC equipment cords 114 and 126 andcross connect cord 120) and MPO ports on a rear side (for interfacingwith the MPO patchcord/trunk cables 110 and 112). The illustratedpatchcord/trunk cables 110 and 112 are Female MPO—Female MPO of Type A,which interface with Male MPO ports on the rear side of the cassettes116, 118, 122, and 124. In both FIGS. 1 and 2, “F” stands for “FemaleMPO,” while “M” stands for “Male MPO” (with alignment pins).

For purposes of discussion, we will assume that the MPO patchcord/trunkcables 110 and 112 are permanent links to be reused in a proposedupgrade to the example system 100. The LC components are to be upgradedto MPO components, which include support communications over multiplefibers (e.g. up to 24 strands). Such an upgrade may be to implement 40Gdata rates, for example. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, the MPOpatchcord/trunk cables 110 and 112 are still present in the upgradedversion 200 of the example. The choice of components and reused partsfor the example of FIGS. 1 and 2 is completely arbitrary and otherconfigurations and upgrades may utilize the teachings described herein.

As can be seen with reference to FIG. 2, first upgraded networkequipment 202 includes a parallel optics transceiver with an MPO port206 to interface via an MPO patchcord/trunk cable 214 to a first FAP(Fiber Adapter Panel) 216. The first FAP 216 is linked to a second FAP218 through the first reused MPO patchcord/trunk cable 110 to a secondFAP 218. The second FAP 218 is linked through a second MPOpatchcord/trunk cable 220 to a third FAP 222. The third FAP 222 islinked to a fourth FAP 224 through the second reused MPO patchcord/trunkcable 112. The fourth FAP 224 is linked through a third MPOpatchcord/trunk cable 226 to a parallel optics transceiver with an MPOport 208 on second upgraded network equipment 204.

Comparing FIGS. 1 and 2, as a result of the upgrade from the example 100to the upgraded version 200, first and second network equipment 102 and104 has been upgraded to first and second upgraded network equipment 202and 204 having respective parallel optics MPO transceiver ports. Thefirst LC equipment cord 114 has been upgraded to a Female MPO—Male MPOpatchcord/trunk cable—Type A 214. The second LC cross connect cord 120has been upgraded to a Male MPO—Male MPO patchcord/trunk cable—Type A220. The second LC equipment cord 126 has been upgraded to a FemaleMPO—Male MPO patchcord/trunk cable—Type B 226. The cassettes 116, 118,122, and 124 have been upgraded to FAPs 216, 218, 222, and 224 withrespective MPO adapters. As previously mentioned, the MPOpatchcord/trunk cables 110 and 112 are permanent links that were reusedin the example upgrade.

Thus, a BOM (Bill of Material) for the above upgrade would list threedistinct MPO-MPO cable assemblies (not including the existing, reusedcables 110 and 112):

Cable 214: Female MPO—Male MPO patchcord/trunk cable—Type A

Cable 220: Male MPO—Male MPO patchcord/trunk cable—Type A

Cable 226: Female MPO—Male MPO patchcord/trunk cable—Type B.

Overview

In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, aninstaller can change a gender of an optical communication connector,such as an MPO patchcord/trunk cable connector, from male to female (orvisa versa) by removing an outer housing and retracting (or extending)alignment pins corresponding to the gender of the cable. As a result,few unique component types are required. This will simplify the BOM,since there are fewer part number variations, due to the same cables(possibly with different length) being used. In addition, installationis made easier, since parts are more generic and can be adapted asneeded for particular parts of the installation. The installer canconveniently change the gender of the connector in the field.

In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, aninstaller can change a polarity of an optical communication connector,such as an MPO patchcord/trunk cable connector, from a first polarity toa second polarity by reversing a configuration of a polarity key. Thus,a single component can be used for either polarity, which reduces thenumber of unique component types required for a typical installation,simplifies the BOM, and makes installation easier.

The above-summarized retractable alignment pins and reversible polaritykey may be implemented separately or in combination.

Retractable Alignment Pins

As can be seen with reference to FIG. 3, an MPO connector 300 (anexample of an optical connector) in the male orientation includes aninner housing assembly 400, an outer housing 500, a ferrule 600, andalignment pins 602 extending outward from the ferrule 600, whichcontains optical fibers for communication. Similarly, FIG. 4 shows theMPO connector 300 in the female orientation, with the alignment pins 602retracted into alignment pin cavities 604. The same MPO connector 300can thus be used in both the male and female orientation by respectivelyextending or retracting the alignment pins 602.

FIG. 5 shows a portion of the MPO connector 300 with the outer housing500 removed to expose a retractable pin clamp 402. The retractable pinclamp 402 is mechanically coupled (preferably fixed) to the alignmentpins 602 through the ferrule 600. The retractable pin clamp 402preferably includes one or more tabs 404, each with a hole 406 forengagement by a tool. One or more spacers 407 situated in the innerhousing assembly 400 includes one or more corresponding stop surfaces408, adjacent to the one or more tabs 404, to define a first position (amale position) and a second position (female position) for theretractable pin clamp 402. FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional side viewsof the portion of the MPO connector 500 shown in FIG. 5, showing theretractable pin clamp 402 in the first and second positions,respectively, according to a preferred embodiment.

The process for changing the gender of the connector will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 5-7, which show a preferred embodimentin which the retractable pin clamp 402 has two tabs 404, each having ahole 406 and the spacer 407 has two stop surfaces 408. After removingthe outer housing 500 from the MPO connector 300, an installer may slidethe retractable pin clamp 402 along a z-axis 410 that is orthogonal to afront face 412 of the ferrule 600 to cause the alignment pins 602 tomove between the male configuration and the female configuration. To doso, the installer deflects the tabs 404 inward (toward each other) byengaging the two holes 406 with a tool (such as a pliers-like toolhaving two pegs that mate with the two holes 406) and sliding theretractable pin clamp 402 (and coupled alignment pins 602) along thez-axis 410 between the first position (male position) and the secondposition (female position). The installer releases the tool to lock theretractable pin clamp 402 into position along the z-axis 410 on theother side of the stop surfaces 408. The installer may then reinstallthe outer housing 500, so that the connector is ready for mating to anopposite gender connector.

In other embodiments of the invention, tools are not necessary to effectthe gender change. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the hole 406 can bereplaced with a post for fingertip actuation.

The first position (male position) and second position (female position)are defined by the dimensions of the stop surfaces 408, and inparticular, by the z-axis length between the stop surfaces 408.Preferably, this length should be greater than approximately twice theextended length of one of the alignment pins 602 relative to the frontface 412 of the ferrule 600. This ensures that two oppositely-genderedconnectors 300 will be able to interface completely, so that theextended alignment pins 602 of the male connector 300 are fully engagedwithin the corresponding cavities 604 housing the retracted alignmentpins 602 of the female connector 300. In addition to setting thedistance through which the alignment pins 602 are extended and retractedwith the stop surfaces 408, the spacer 407 also helps transfer a loadfrom a spring 606 to the ferrule 600 to isolate the retractable pinclamp 402.

While the above description pertains to a preferred implementation of aconnector having a changeable gender, other implementations are alsopossible. For example, one example implementation utilizes only a singletab 404 that is deflected to move below a single stop surface 408.Another example implementation utilizes more than two tabs 404 and/ormore than two stop surfaces 408. In yet another example implementation,rather than being fixed to the alignment pins 602, the retractable pinclamp 402 is coupled to the alignment pins 602 by some other type ofmechanical linkage that causes the alignment pins 602 to extend orretract by a larger displacement than the displacement of the actuatedretractable pin clamp 402. In yet another alternative implementation,the stop surfaces 408 are not part of the inner housing assembly 400.Many other alternatives are possible for implementing the connector asclaimed herein.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are flow diagrams illustrating methods 1800 and 1900 forchanging a gender of an optical connector, such as the connector 300described above, from male to female and from female to male,respectively.

In the method 1800, an installer removes the outer housing 500 from theconnector 300, as shown in block 1802. The installer deflects inward oneor more tabs 404 on the retractable pin clamp 402, as shown in block1804, and slides the retractable pin clamp 402 from a male position to afemale position, causing the alignment pins 602 to retract into theferrule 600, as shown in block 1806. The installer releases the tabs, asshown in block 1808, and replaces the outer housing 500, as shown inblock 1810. The method 1900 differs from the method 1800 only in block1906, in which the installer slides the retractable pin clamp 402 from afemale position to a male position, causing the alignment pins 602 toextend out of the ferrule 600. Blocks 1902, 1904, 1908, and 1910 in themethod 1900 correspond respectively to blocks 1802, 1804, 1808, and 1810in the method 1800. In methods according to embodiments of the presentinvention, the connector assembly remains intact, and the fibers withinthe connector are not exposed to damage or handling duringreconfiguration.

Reversible Polarity Key

In addition to gender, another parameter to be considered by aninstaller during an upgrade is the polarity of a connector. The polaritymay be considered separately or in combination with the gender,depending on the specific type (e.g. mechanical configuration) ofoptical connector.

In order to utilize a parallel optics transceiver with an MPO port,there must be at least one Type-B MPO-MPO patchcord in the link,assuming connectivity Method A is utilized per the “Optical FiberCabling Components Standard,” Edition C, Telecommunications IndustriesAssociation, Jun. 1, 2008 (TIA-568-C.3), which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety. FIGS. 10-12 are provided forclarification. FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating atransceiver mapping of two connectors communicating over eight of twelveprovided fiber channels. FIGS. 11 and 12 are simplified plan views ofrespective Type-A and Type-B patch cords/connector cables. As can beseen with reference to FIGS. 10-12, including at least one Type-BMPO-MPO patchcord in the link effectively routes channel 1 to channel12, channel 2 to channel 11, channel 3 to channel 10, and channel 4 tochannel 9, which effectively routes transmit (Tx) to receive (Rx). Fibernumbers 9 through 12 of transceiver 700 a transmit (Tx) one or morecommunication signals to fiber numbers 1 through 4 of transceiver 700 b,which receive (Rx) the corresponding signal(s) across these four fibers.Fiber numbers 1 through 4 of transceiver 700 a receive (Rx) signal(s)from fiber numbers 9 through 12 of transceiver 700 b, which transmit(Tx) the corresponding signal(s) across these four fibers. The fiberscheme shown and described with reference to FIGS. 10-12 is compatiblewith the “Transceiver MPO Connector” transmit/receive configurationestablished by the POP4 MSA “Four Channel Pluggable Optical TransceiverMulti-Source Agreement” industry technical specification, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The polarity keys 800 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 will be discussed below,in conjunction with FIGS. 13-17. In essence, the polarity keys 800provide a mechanical means for identifying the polarity and for ensuringproper interfacing between adjoining connectors.

Changing the polarity of one connector in a patchcord effectivelychanges it from Type-A to Type-B, or vice versa. As will be described indetail below, an installer can change the polarity of an opticalcommunication connector, such as an MPO patchcord/trunk cable connector,from a first polarity to a second polarity by reversing a configurationof a polarity key. Thus, a single component can be used for eitherpolarity, which reduces the number of unique component types requiredfor a typical installation, simplifies the BOM, and makes installationeasier. For an installation involving a plurality of patchcords, onlyone type of patchcord needs to be ordered, and during installation, itdoes not matter where each cable end is located, since the polarity canbe changed as needed. Further, the connector interior (including thefiber and ferrule), is not exposed to damage during the polaritychanging operation.

FIGS. 13-17 are perspective views illustrating a connector 300 andassociated components, in both assembled and partially disassembledconfigurations. In these figures, like reference numerals refer to likecomponents.

A polarity key 800 is integrated into the outer housing 500. Forexample, the outer housing 500 may have the polarity key 800 integrallyformed therein. Alternatively, the polarity key 800 may be a separatepiece that is attached to the outer housing 500 by an appropriatefastener or adhesive.

The polarity key 800 includes, at its base, a polarity key tab 802.Formed opposite the polarity key tab 802 and integrated into (integrallyformed in or separately fastened to) the outer housing 500 is a blanktab 804. The polarity key tab 802 and the blank tab 804 extend outward,along the z-axis 410. Unlike the polarity key tab 802, the blank tab 804does not include a polarity key, and instead serves as a filler, thus,effectively being an absence of the polarity key 802, as will bedescribed below.

The inner housing assembly 400 includes two symmetric recessed features806, one on either side of where the ferrule 600 is located in the innerhousing assembly 400. The recessed features 806 are shaped andconfigured to accept the polarity key tab 802 (and associated polaritykey 800) and the blank tab 804. According to a preferred embodiment, thepolarity of the connector 300 is reversed by removing and rotating theouter housing 500 180-degrees around the z-axis 410 of the ferrule 600and reinstalling the outer housing 500 into the assembly 400. Thepolarity key tab 802 and blank tab 804 fit into the recessed features806 opposite of where they were before the 180-degree rotation. As aresult, only the outer housing 500 is removed. The inner housingassembly 400 is not removed, which prevents disturbing the sensitivespring 606, ferrule 600, optical fiber, and spring push assembly 810.Removing the inner housing assembly 400 would also expose the opticalfibers, which is undesirable.

The preferably symmetric design of the inner housing assembly 400 allowsthe outer housing 500 to be flipped and reinstalled forpolarity-changing. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the recessed features 806on the inner housing assembly 400 help the installer to locate andsecure the geometries of the polarity key tab 802 and the blank tab 804on the outer housing 500. Sidewalls 812 on the polarity key 800 and/orpolarity key tab 802 interface with corresponding polarity key sidewallretainers 814 to control movement of the polarity key tab 802 and blankkey tab 804 in the x-axis direction 414. Similar sidewalls are placed onthe blank tab 804. To control movement of the polarity key tab 802 inthe y-axis direction 416, the polarity key tab 802 and blank key tabpreferably both include planar protrusions 816 that are overlapped byprotrusion retainers 818 located on the inner housing assembly 400 aspart of the recessed features 806. The protrusion retainers 818 thusserve as guides along which the outer housing 500 may slide via itspolarity key tab 802 and blank tab 804, as illustrated in FIGS. 13-16.

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view illustrating a back side of the outerhousing 500 (i.e. opposite the polarity key 800) according to apreferred embodiment. The outer housing 500 includes two compressionsprings 820 located on compression spring alignment posts 824 inrespective compression spring wells 822. Small crush ribs 826 arelocated on the alignment posts 824. During assembly, the compressionsprings 820 are pressed over the crush ribs 826 around the alignmentposts 824 and are thus held in place by interference with the crush ribs826. Stop posts 828 on the exterior of the inner housing assembly 400interface with the compression spring wells 822 when the outer housing500 is assembled onto the inner housing assembly 400. The stop posts 828provide a surface for the compression springs 820 to act (compress)against, to force the outer housing forward (toward the ferruleendpiece). Ribs 831 of the outer housing engage with detents 833 of theinner housing assembly 400 to prevent the compression spring fromseparating the outer housing 500 from the inner housing assembly 400.

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 2800 for changing apolarity of an optical connector, such as the connector 300 describedabove. In the method 2800, an installer removes the outer housing 500from the connector 300, as shown in block 2802. The installer rotatesthe outer housing 180-degrees around the z-axis (orthogonal to the frontface of the ferrule 600), as shown in block 2804, and replaces the outerhousing 500, as shown in block 2806.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 2900 for changing agender and a polarity of an optical connector, such as the connector 300described above. In the method 2900, an installer removes the outerhousing 500 from the connector 300, as shown in block 2902. Theinstaller deflects inward one or more tabs 404 on the retractable pinclamp 402, as shown in block 2904, and slides the retractable pin clamp402 to appropriate gender position (male or female, as defined bylocation relative to the stop surface(s) 408), causing the alignmentpins 602 to retract into or extend out of the ferrule 600, asappropriate, as shown in block 2906. The installer releases the tabs404, as shown in block 2908. The installer then rotates the outerhousing 500 180-degrees around the z-axis (orthogonal to the front faceof the ferrule 600), as shown in block 2910, and replaces the outerhousing 500, as shown in block 2912.

FIG. 20 is a perspective diagram of another embodiment of the presentinvention, in which the outer housing 2000 latches to an inner housingassembly 2001 using deflecting latch flaps 2002 provided on the outerhousing 2000 and latch ramps 2004 provided on the inner housing assembly2001. FIG. 21 is a side view of this embodiment. The location of thepolarity key 800 can be swapped between the top and bottom of theconnector by flipping the outer housing before attaching the outerhousing 2000 to the inner housing assembly 2001. FIG. 22 is aperspective view of an assembled connector of this embodiment. In thisembodiment, the outer housing 2000 can be unlatched by squeezing theouter housing from the sides. Clearance along the sides of the outerhousing 2000 then allows the top and bottom portions of the outerhousing to bow outwardly, allowing unlatching.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design,the present invention can be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. An optical communication connector, comprising a ferrulehaving retractable alignment pins that are actuable between an extendedposition and a retracted position.
 2. The optical communicationconnector of claim 1, wherein in the extended position, the alignmentpins are extended a first displacement from a front face of the ferrule,thereby causing the connector to be in a male gender configuration, andwherein in the retracted position, the alignment pins are retracted intoalignment pin cavities in the ferrule by a distance greater than orequal to the first displacement, thereby causing the connector to be ina female gender configuration.
 3. The optical communication connector ofclaim 1, wherein actuation of the alignment pins between the extendedposition and the retracted position is effected using a pin clamp thatis mechanically coupled to the alignment pins.
 4. The opticalcommunication connector of claim 3, wherein the pin clamp is fixedlyattached to the alignment pins.
 5. The optical communication connectorof claim 3, wherein the pin clamp is coupled to the alignment pinsthrough a mechanical linkage that causes the alignment pins to move by alarger displacement than that of the pin clamp, when the pin clamp isdisplaced.
 6. The optical communication connector of claim 3, whereinthe pin clamp includes at least one feature that may be engaged by atool to effect actuation of the alignment pins between the extendedposition and the retracted position.
 7. The optical communicationconnector of claim 6, wherein the pin clamp includes at least one tab,and wherein the at least one feature comprises at least one hole locatedon the tab.
 8. The optical communication connector of claim 3, whereinthe pin clamp includes at least one tab comprising a post for manualengagement by a user.
 9. The optical communication connector of claim 3,further comprising at least one spacer having at least one stop surface,wherein the pin clamp is slidable between a first position and secondposition corresponding respectively to the extended position and theretracted position, and wherein the first and second positions aredefined by the at least one stop surface on the at least one spacer. 10.The optical communication connector of claim 3, further comprising atleast one spacer having a stop surface, wherein the pin clamp comprisesa tab that, upon being deflected, allows the pin clamp to move below thestop surface.
 11. The optical communication connector of claim 3,wherein the pin clamp comprises two pin clamps, wherein each pin clampcomprises at least one tab that can be deflected to allow the pin clampto move below a stop surface on a spacer located on the connector. 12.The optical communication connector of claim 1, further comprising apolarity key having a configuration that can be altered to change apolarity of the connector.
 13. The optical communication connector ofclaim 12, wherein the configuration of the polarity key is altered byrotating the polarity key in relation to the connector.
 14. The opticalcommunication connector of claim 12, wherein the polarity key is locatedon an outer housing of the connector, and wherein the outer housing canbe rotated around an axial length of the connector to effect the changein polarity.
 15. The optical communication connector of claim 14,wherein the polarity key includes a polarity key tab and a blank tab180-degrees opposite the polarity key tab on the outer housing, whereinthe polarity key tab and the blank tab mechanically interface withfeatures on the connector, and wherein rotation of the housing relativeto the axial length effects the change in polarity.
 16. The opticalcommunication connector of claim 1, wherein the connector is an MPOconnector.
 17. An optical communication connector, comprising: an innerhousing assembly having optical fibers disposed therein; and an outerhousing disposed over the inner housing assembly, the outer housingshaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly; wherein theinner housing assembly comprises a movable pin clamp mechanicallycoupled to alignment pins for aligning the connector with anotherconnector, wherein the pin clamp may be slid from a first position to asecond position, and wherein the first position corresponds to a malegender and the second position corresponds to a female gender.
 18. Theoptical communication connector of claim 17, further comprising aferrule through which the optical fibers and alignment pins pass,wherein in the first position, the alignment pins are extended a firstdisplacement along a z-axis orthogonal to a front face of the ferrule,and wherein in the second position, the alignment pins are retractedinto alignment pin cavities in the ferrule by a distance greater than orequal to the first displacement along the z-axis orthogonal to the frontface of the ferrule.
 19. The optical communication connector of claim17, wherein the pin clamp is fixedly attached to the alignment pins. 20.The optical communication connector of claim 17, wherein the pin clampis coupled to the alignment pins through a mechanical linkage thatcauses the alignment pins to move by a larger displacement than that ofthe pin clamp, when the pin clamp is displaced.
 21. The opticalcommunication connector of claim 17, wherein the pin clamp includes atleast one feature that may be engaged by a tool to effect actuation ofthe alignment pins between the first position and the second position.22. The optical communication connector of claim 17, wherein the innerhousing assembly comprises at least two stop surfaces to limit movementof the pin clamp to a length between the first and second positions. 23.The optical communication connector of claim 22, wherein the at leasttwo stop surfaces are located on one or more spacers on the innerhousing assembly.
 24. The optical communication connector of claim 22,wherein the pin clamp comprises a tab that, upon being deflected, allowsthe pin clamp to move past one of the at least two stop surfaces. 25.The optical communication connector of claim 17, wherein the innerhousing assembly comprises a plurality of spacers having stop surfacesto constrain sliding movement of the pin clamp to a length bound by thefirst position and the second position.
 26. The optical communicationconnector of claim 17, wherein the pin clamp is designed to be slid onlywhen the outer housing is removed.
 27. The optical communicationconnector of claim 17, wherein the pin clamp comprises two pin clampslocated on opposite sides of the inner housing assembly, wherein eachpin clamp comprises at least one tab that can be deflected to allow thepin clamp to move below a stop surface on a spacer located on the innerhousing assembly.
 28. The optical communication connector of claim 17,wherein the outer housing comprises a polarity key configured so that apolarity of the connector is defined based on how the outer housing isinstalled.
 29. The optical communication connector of claim 18, whereinthe outer housing comprises a polarity key tab and a blank tab locatedopposite the polarity key tab, wherein the polarity key tab has apolarity key formed thereon to define a polarity of the connector,wherein the polarity key tab and the blank tab are shaped to fit inrespective first and second recessed features located on opposite sidesof the inner housing assembly, and wherein the polarity of the connectorcan be changed by rotating the outer housing around the z-axis so thatthe polarity key tab fits in the second recessed feature and the blankkey tab fits in the first recessed feature.
 30. The opticalcommunication connector of claim 29, wherein the first and secondrecessed features include guides along which the polarity key tab andthe blank tab of the outer housing may slide along the z-axis as theouter housing is installed onto the inner housing assembly.
 31. Theoptical communication connector of claim 30, wherein the polarity keytab and the blank tab each have planar protrusions spanning outward fromtheir centers, and wherein the recessed features of the inner housingassembly each have protrusion retainers.
 32. The optical communicationconnector of claim 30, further comprising a latch mechanism to securethe outer housing to the inner housing assembly.
 33. The opticalcommunication connector of claim 17, wherein the connector is an MPOconnector.
 34. An optical communication connector, comprising: an innerhousing assembly that houses a plurality of optical fibers disposed in aferrule, wherein the inner housing assembly has a stop surface thatdefines a first position corresponding to a male gender and a secondposition corresponding to a female gender, and a movable pin clampdisposed in the inner housing assembly, wherein the pin clamp has adeflectable tab that may be slid relative to the stop surface from thefirst position to the second position to change the gender of theconnector.
 35. The optical communication connector of claim 34, furthercomprising an outer housing for installation over the inner housingassembly, wherein the outer housing covers the movable pin clamp. 36.The optical communication connector of claim 35, wherein the outerhousing comprises a polarity key disposed on one of a plurality ofoutside edges of the outer housing to define a polarity of theconnector, wherein the polarity is defined based on which of twoinstallation modes the outer housing is installed, wherein the firstinstallation mode differs from the second installation mode in how theouter housing is rotated relative to the inner housing assembly duringinstallation of the outer housing onto the inner housing assembly. 37.The optical communication connector of claim 36, wherein in the firstinstallation mode, the outer housing is rotated 180 degrees oppositefrom in the second installation mode, thereby causing the polarity keyto correspondingly be rotated 180 degrees relative to the inner housingassembly.
 38. A fiber adapter panel having a plurality of opticalcommunication connectors, at least one of which comprises: an innerhousing assembly having optical fibers disposed therein; and an outerhousing disposed over the inner housing assembly, the outer housingshaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly; wherein theinner housing assembly comprises a movable pin clamp mechanicallycoupled to alignment pins for aligning the connector with anotherconnector, wherein the pin clamp may be slid from a first position to asecond position, and wherein the first position corresponds to a malegender and the second position corresponds to a female gender.
 39. Anoptical communication cable comprising at least one end terminated at anoptical communication connector, the optical communication connectorcomprising: an inner housing assembly having optical fibers disposedtherein; and an outer housing disposed over the inner housing assembly,the outer housing shaped to be removable from the inner housingassembly, wherein the inner housing assembly comprises a movable pinclamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for aligning the connectorwith another connector, wherein the pin clamp may be slid from a firstposition to a second position, and wherein the first positioncorresponds to a male gender and the second position corresponds to afemale gender.